X220T i7, Extremely High Idle Temps???

I've owned this i7 X220T for about 3-4 months now and even from the get-go it ran pretty hot (refused to go below 45C on idle when I was outside in 30F weather) but now the idle temps are getting to levels that border on unsafe!

I'm currently at 71-75C idle and all I have running on my computer is Firefox and Speccy.

Would contacting a Lenovo tech and getting him to replace the TIM help significantly??? I know these chips are known to run hot, but there is no way anything was ever designed to run at 70C idle...

I have thoroughly cleaned the exhaust ports on this unit (although at 3-4 months old it shouldn't have a dust problem anyway) and run it with the battery inserted + AC power on the "balanced" setting, meaning the chip isn't overclocking itself at all.

::edit::

Also, I forgot to mention that it is normally resting on my hardwood computer desk that is practically dust free and it has plenty of room for air to vent.

Re: X220T i7, Extremely High Idle Temps???

I forgot to add that since posting I have turned off Hyper Threading and my idle temps are now down to a more satisfactory 43-45C, although I still feel that I shouldn't have to turn off key features just to maintain safe operating temperatures.

Re: X220T i7, Extremely High Idle Temps???

Be careful when sending yours in... I sent my X220T for a fingerprint reader failure and they also determined my systemboard overheats so they replaced it too (how nice, yes?). The downside? They installed a systemboard with the wrong processor, I received an i5 (2520m) instead of an i7 (2640m)... and unfortunately, the CPU is soldered onto the board.

Currently on my third service request to have it rectified all in a month's time!